The path to stardom at Manchester United is a difficult one and not everybody can become a homegrown star.
Manchester United’s academy history is incredible and bringing through young talents is almost expected of United managers.
United’s Class of 92 were the gold standard but United have continued to bring through young stars.
Marcus Rashford may have joined Aston Villa now, but he became a homegrown star under Louis van Gaal whilst Kobbie Mainoo has dazzled too.
Others don’t quite make the grade at United and have to leave in search of opportunities away from Old Trafford.
Photo by Ian Cook - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Ian Cook – CameraSport via Getty Images
Josh Harrop selected in KSI’s Baller League draft
One man who took a rather surprising plunge back in 2017 was Josh Harrop.
The Stockport-born playmaker had emerged in the United ranks and made a name for himself on the final day of the 2016-17 season.
Harrop was highly rated at United and Jose Mourinho handed him a start against Crystal Palace as the season came to an end.
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Harrop took that chance brilliantly, scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory to end the season on a high.
Yet rather than take that high and attempt to kick on at United, Harrop chose to sign for Preston North End in the Championship instead.
Harrop scored some brilliant goals for PNE but injuries set him back and, after Harrop joined Fleetwood Town on loan, he was released back in 2022.
The 29-year-old moved on to Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town but, having been released at the end of last season, he remains a free agent.
Harrop has now resurfaced in fascinating fashion having been selected in the Baller League draft on Monday night.
The six-a-side tournament is being backed by the likes go Gary Lineker and Luis Figo whilst the Daily Mail claim that United duo Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount are investors too.
Harrop was selected by FC Rules the World and will be joining the likes of Bakary Sako, Marvin Sordell, Michael Hector and Adrian Mariappa in this brand new league.
Josh Harrop on Baller League
This is an intriguing step for Harrop and will hopefully provide him some exposure and ultimately more happiness in the game after a difficult period.
Harrop has now spoken to The Guardian about this new step in his career, admitted that he was already talking about the Baller League before being asked to play.
The former United talent feels that this is ‘quite different’ to anything that he has done before, but he will keep his competitive edge.
Harrop just wants to have some fun and enjoy football again with this new league presenting a potentially ideal opportunity at this stage in his career.
“It’s funny because I was speaking to a friend about it one day and the next I woke up to a message asking if I wanted to play,” said Harrop.
“As I’m a free agent, this gives me something to focus on – it’s also football and that’s what I love doing. The concept’s quite different to what I’ve ever done. I’m going to go, have some fun and enjoy my football. I’m still gonna be competitive, because I’m a competitive person. Hopefully I get a good team and we can win,” he added.
We would love to see Harrop thriving again and whether it’s in the Baller League or back with a Football League club, he deserves some success again.